Tours For Groups

Religious Studies to Lourdes, France

Destination: France

Duration: 7 days

The small town of Lourdes has been a destination for many religious pilgrimages since the Marian apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. It is the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sight in all of Europe for those searching for a place that offers hope for those in need of healing and peace. The grotto where most of the apparitions took place can be visited by groups and it is there that they can take part in Mass or take part in The Stations of the Cross and even bathe in the Lourdes water.

The county of Lourdes itself has many monasteries, castles, and churches in to keep the group interested. This tour includes accommodation in Lourdes, full transportation to and from every sight and guided tours associated with the apparitions here.

The tour can also be combined with a tour to the Marian Shrine in Fatima and/or Medjugorje to enhance your group’s experience.

Example itinerary

Afternoon: Your group will be picked up by coach outside of your school and then travel to the Port of Dover where we will cross into France.

Evening: Onward overnight travel by coach through France and to Lourdes.

Day 2

Morning: We will stop along the way to Lourdes for breakfast and a chance to freshen up from our travels.

Afternoon: The group will in Lourdes in the afternoon when they will check- in at the accommodation.

Evening: In the evening after dinner, the group will join a torchlit procession which takes place in the city.

Day 3

Morning: After breakfast, the group travel into the the centre where they will have a walking tour with our guide.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, your group will get a chance to visit the grotto which was the place where the Virgin Mary made her appearance to St Bernadette.

Evening:Evening return back to accommodation followed by overnight stay.

Day 4

Morning: After breakfast, the group travel to the centre of Lourdes and participate in mass followed by some sight-seeing via coach or mini-train.

Afternoon: After lunch, the group will take a funicular ride to the top of The Grand Jer where your group will be able to amazing views over Lourdes.

Evening:Evening return back to accommodation followed by overnight stay.

Day 5

Morning:After breakfast, we travel outside of Lourdes and go to Chateau Mauvezin to see this castle .

Afternoon: In the afternoon after lunch, you have free time to explore the local area.

Evening: Evening return back to accommodation followed by overnight stay.

Day 6

Morning: After breakfast, the group will have some free time to explore Lourdes once more before we depart and travel back to England.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, we depart from Lourdes and start our return journey.

Evening:Evening travel through France on our way to Calais for the crossing back into England.

Day 7

Morning: The group will arrive back in the home town and return to their school in the morning hours.

Sights & places of interest in Lourdes, France to visit

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

This area surrounds the grotto where the apparitions to Saint Bernadette took place in 1858. The sanctuary has since then been a place for religious pilgrimages. Many sick pilgrims are believed to have been healed by Lourdes water. The baths at the sanctuary are accessible for pilgrims to bathe in.

Rosary Basilica

]This Roman Catholic Basilica is within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is dedicated and celebrates the Rosary. Originally built in 1899, it has recently undergone extensive renovation of its mosaics and interior.

The Funiculaire du Pic du Jer

This funicular links the town of Lourdes with the nearby mountain peak of Pic du Jer. Originally built in 1900, the funicular travels some 1,100 metres to the top on the mountain where you can expect to see remarkable views of the towns.

Lourdes Castle

This castle, built strategically at the entrance to the seven valleys of Lavedan in the French Pyranees has long dominated over the town of Lourdes. Although a castle has stood here since Roman times, it has been besieged numerous times by many including Charlemagne in 778.

The Basilica Of St. Pius X

This Roman Catholic Basilica is part of the Sanctuary of Our Lady Of Lourdes and was very controversial during its construction. It is also, almost entirely underground lying underneath the Boulevard Pere Remi Sempe. The Basilica is one of the largest churches inspired by the Visions of Jesus and Mary.